This is good news, mostly, but it does say "at this time" when referring to Rockstar not wiping data and progress. This likely means that if the developer deems that it needs to clear the data and progress attained during the beta to assure balance, it could change its mind.

While incomplete, the overall online beta experience is a little too involved to simply wipe away every user's progress. Many fans have been putting in major hours on the game ever since they gained access during the last week in November.

While it isn't customary to allow users to keep what they've collected in a beta or demo, this is clearly a different situation.

Aside from some issues Forbes' Paul Tassi discussed, RDO is on track to accomplish most of the goals it set. Based on social media feedback, it appears most fans are in love with the game or at least enamored with the possibilities–and we haven't even seen all of the modes that will be available in the final version.

We do know that the economic system will be balanced to reduce the cost of some of the grossly overpriced weapons. Perhaps we'll even see it become a little easier to earn gold and currency on a whole. Thankfully, none of the issues we've seen in the beta thus far presents any insurmountable impediments. What's even more encouraging is Rockstar's willingness to listen and react to community feedback.

As betas go, it's hard to imagine how RDO could have been handle smoother. As long as the proper changes are made and the game continues to be an evolving experience, RDO is still on pace to be a groundbreaking total package when grouped with the Red Dead Redemption 2 story mode.

I write about sports and video games. I began my career with Bleacher Report in 2010 and I'm now a Forbes Contributor as well as a YouTuber. I've been blessed to make a living discussing things I'd talk about for free.